I would very much like to hear from other librarians
involved in circulation or library systems if they have any
ideas about how to encourage students to use self-service
issue machines rather than using the staffed library
counter.
We launched self-service issue in the Learning Centre, our
main and largest library, in February 2001, with two 3M 6210
machines located near the Library counter. We are Talis
users. We have tried lots of publicity, and also having
library staff on hand to encourage users away from the
queue at the Counter. However, usage has been
disappointingly low after the first couple of weeks.
We are planning to reduce the "traps" which prevent users
from using self-service functions, in time for September
this year. For example, we shall allow fines up to an
agreed level, whereas at present no-one can use
self-service if they have any fines owing, or if their
books are already overdue.
Any other ideas (apart from having no staff at all at the
Counter)?
Elaine Hansen
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Elaine Hansen
Circulation and Customer Services Manager
Learning Centre, University of North London
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020 7753 3369
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